Transport Secretary awards £50m to begin work on Lincoln Eastern Bypass

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has today announced a £50 million funding bid for the Lincoln Eastern Bypass has been secured, meaning work can officially begin in January.

The announcement was made on Monday, November 28, alongside the promise of £2.4 million towards pothole repairs and a share of £175 million towards the county’s most dangerous roads.

In total, a £1.3 billion programme of road improvements will be conducted across the country, announced as part of the Autumn Statement.

The funding for the £96.4 million single carriageway Lincoln Eastern Bypass was initially announced in 2011.

The formal approval of the government grant will mean the scheme can now begin, with a completion target of December 2019.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This investment is over and above the £23 billion we are spending to get motorists to their destinations quickly, more easily and safely.

“The schemes announced today are focused on relieving congestion and providing important upgrades to ensure our roads are fit for the future – removing the barriers to help make an economy that works for everyone.”

Lincolnshire County Councillor Richard Davies. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways and Transportation at Lincolnshire County Council, added: “This was the final hurdle we needed to clear, and it means we’ll soon be in a position where we can finally get building.

“The bypass will take a lot of pressure off the roads in and around Lincoln – in fact, it’s projected to reduce traffic levels on Broadgate by around 25%.

“That will mean less congestion, better air quality and reduced journey times.

“It will also pave the way for the housing and economic developments that are vital for the county’s future prosperity.

“I’m delighted we’ve reached this important milestone and look forward to the main works starting next year.”

The 7.5km single carriageway road will link the A158 Wragby Road roundabout to the A15 at Bracebridge Heath and is hoped to cut congestion in the city centre.

It was approved in February 2016 despite residents’ objections against the planned closure of Hawthorn Road, and two public enquiries.

Lincolnshire County Council has said the bypass will help unlock housing and economic developments around Lincoln, which are estimated to add around £600 million to the value of the county economy.

Diggers arrived on site in May for initial works to build a 130m track, providing access to the site.

On Tuesday, December 6, Network Rail is due to begin construction of a new railway bridge adjacent to Washingborough Road and to the east of the sewerage treatment works.

This will replace a small cattle creep with a new bridge that will allow the new road to run under the railway.

The council recently appointed Carillion as the contractors for the project.

Over £2.4m to fix potholes

As detailed in today’s announcement, Lincolnshire will also receive £2,482,000 of the government’s £70 million scheme to fill and prevent potholes.

The funding released is estimated to be enough to fill 57,000 potholes.

See full details of the programme on Lincolnshire Reporter here.

Dangerous road plans

The Department for Transport will work with councils to improve the 50 roads with the worst safety record, which includes the A18 in Lincolnshire.